Types of Bee Hives and Their Designs – Beekeeping Equipment
When it comes to beekeeping, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right type of bee hive. There are several different types of bee hives available, each with its own unique design and features. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular types of bee hives and their designs.
The Langstroth Hive
The Langstroth Hive is one of the most popular types of bee hives in use today. It was invented in 1851 by Lorenzo Langstroth, who is considered the “father of the modern bee hive.” The Langstroth Hive is designed with removable frames that allow the beekeeper to easily inspect and manage the hive without disturbing the bees too much compared to previous designs. This design also makes it easy to harvest honey and other hive products.
The Top Bar Hive
The Top Bar Hive is a more natural and simple design compared to the Langstroth Hive. It is a horizontal hive that uses wooden bars as a base for the bees to build their comb. The design of the Top Bar Hive allows bees to build comb in a more natural way, without the use of frames. This type of hive is popular with beekeepers who want to take a more hands-off approach to beekeeping and allow the bees to build their colony in a more natural way.
The Warre Hive
The Warre Hive is another horizontal hive design, similar to the Top Bar Hive. It was invented by Abbe Warre in the early 20th century. The Warre Hive also uses wooden bars as a base for the bees to build their comb, but it is designed with a vertical hive body that allows for easier inspection and management of the hive. The Warre Hive is popular with beekeepers who want a more natural approach to beekeeping, but also want the ability to easily inspect and manage the hive.
The Flow Hive
The Flow Hive is a relatively new design that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a vertical hive that uses specially designed frames that allow the beekeeper to harvest honey without disturbing the bees. The design of the Flow Hive allows the beekeeper to simply turn a lever to release the honey from the comb, making it a more efficient and less disruptive way to harvest honey.
In conclusion, the type of bee hive you choose will depend on your beekeeping style and goals. The Langstroth Hive is a great option for those who want an easy-to-manage hive, while the Top Bar Hive and Warre Hive are better suited for beekeepers who want a more natural approach. The Flow Hive is a great option for beekeepers looking for a more efficient way to harvest honey. Each of these hives has its own unique design, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Building Materials for Bee Hives: Some Things to Consider
When it comes to building bee hives, there are a wide variety of materials that can be used. From traditional wooden hives to modern, plastic alternatives, the options are seemingly endless. However, not all materials are created equal when it comes to beekeeping. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most popular materials used for building bee hives, and what to consider when making your choice.
Wooden Hives
Wooden hives are the most traditional and popular choice among beekeepers. They are easy to work with, durable, and provide insulation for the bees. However, it is important to note that not all woods are suitable for building hives. Pine and cedar are commonly used, but cypress and redwood are also good options. These woods are rot-resistant and have natural insect-repellent properties that can help protect the hive from pests. It’s also important to ensure that the wood is untreated, as treated wood can be harmful to bees if not done properly.
Cedar is a lightweight, durable, and aromatic wood that is well-suited for beekeeping and its natural insect-repellent properties can help protect the hive from pests. Additionally, cedar hives are easy to work with, making them a good option for both novice and experienced beekeepers.
Pine hives are a common choice among beekeepers, but they are not as rot-resistant as cedar hives and need regular maintenance or replacement. Cypress and redwood hives are also rot-resistant, but they can be more expensive. When compared to other wooden hives, cedar hives have a distinct aroma that some say can be beneficial for the bees. Cedar wood is also known for its natural insulation properties, which can help keep the bees warm in colder weather.
With their unique characteristics, cedar hives offer a good balance of cost-effectiveness, durability, and functionality that make them a good option for beekeeping.
Plastic Hives
Plastic hives are a newer, more modern alternative to wooden hives. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and can be less expensive in the long run if they last. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are suitable for building hives. Not very popular in Ireland yet and are unlikely to be used in great numbers since Irish beekeepers tend to favour natural materials.
Plastic hives are a modern alternative to traditional wooden hives emerging in recent years. Plastic hives are made from a variety of materials, but high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the most popular choice. HDPE is a strong, durable, and UV-resistant material that does not contain any harmful chemicals. Plastic hives are also lightweight and easy to clean, which can be a big advantage for beekeepers.
When compared to wooden hives, plastic hives have several advantages. For example, they are less expensive in the long run, as they do not require regular maintenance or painting. They are also more resistant to rot and pests, which can be a problem with wooden hives depending on your location. For example, woodworm and termites can be a real nuisance for some beekeepers. Additionally, plastic hives are easier to relocate, which can be a big advantage for beekeepers who want to move their hives to different locations to follow flowering crops etc.
However, plastic hives also have some disadvantages. For example, they do not provide the same insulation as wooden hives and can become too hot in the summer which can be harmful to the bees. Additionally, plastic hives are not as durable as wooden hives, and they can crack or break if dropped, particularly if weighed down by a full colony of bees.
Overall, plastic hives offer a number of benefits to beekeepers. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and do not require regular maintenance. They are also more resistant to rot and pests than wooden hives, which can be a big advantage for beekeepers. However, it is important to consider the disadvantages of plastic hives as well, such as the lack of insulation and not being as durable as wooden hives. But all these disadvantages may change as the design improves. Who knows?
Poly Hives
High-density polystyrene is a popular choice in recent years, as it is durable, highly insulating, and does not contain any harmful chemicals.
Poly hives are another modern alternative to traditional wooden hives and are made from a type of plastic known as polystyrene. These hives are lightweight and easy to handle and they provide good insulation for the bees. Poly hives also have a long lifespan and are resistant to rot and pests, which can be a problem with wooden hives. They are also easy to clean, which can be a big advantage for beekeepers.
When compared to wooden hives, poly hives have several advantages. For example, they are less expensive in the long run, as they do not require regular maintenance or painting. They are also more resistant to rot and pests, which can be a problem with wooden hives. Additionally, poly hives are easy to move, which can be a big advantage for beekeepers who want to move their hives to different locations.
However, poly hives also have some disadvantages. For example, they can become too hot in the summer which can be harmful to the bees. Additionally, poly hives are not as durable as wooden hives, and they can crack or break if dropped. However, in recent years the density and quality of the polystyrene have improved making the hives stronger and even better insulators.
The benefits to beekeepers? They are lightweight, easy to clean, and do not require regular maintenance. They are also more resistant to rot and pests than wooden hives, which can be a big advantage for beekeepers. However, it is important to consider the disadvantages before you decide.
Metal Hives
Metal hives are another alternative to wooden hives. They are durable, easy to clean and provide good insulation for the bees. However, it is important to note that metal hives can become extremely hot in the summer, which can be harmful to the bees. Stainless steel or aluminium are the most common choices, as they are rust-resistant and do not contain any harmful chemicals. But you should get advice from your association or a local expert before buying one of these because they can easily overheat in the summer if left in direct sunshine and can be very cold in the winter unless properly insulated, not to mention the condensation in cold weather.
However, metal hives also have some disadvantages. For example, they can become extremely hot in the summer, which can be harmful to the bees. Additionally, metal hives can be expensive and heavy, which can make them difficult to move. They also do not have the natural insulation properties of wooden hives, which can be a problem in extreme weather conditions.
Cardboard Hives
Cardboard hives are a more eco-friendly option for beekeeping. They are made from recycled materials and are biodegradable. These hives are lightweight and easy to move, but they are not as durable as wooden or plastic hives. They are also not as well insulated, so they may not be suitable in extreme weather conditions.
When compared to wooden hives, cardboard hives have several advantages. For example, they are less expensive and more eco-friendly as they are biodegradable since they do not need to be painted regularly. Additionally, they are lightweight and easy to handle, making them a good option for beekeepers who want to move their hives to different locations. They also have good insulation properties, which can help keep the bees warm in colder weather.
However, cardboard hives also have some disadvantages. For example, they are not as durable as wooden hives and they may not last as long. Additionally, they are not as resistant to rot and pests as wooden hives, so they may require more frequent replacement. They also may not be as weather resistant as wooden hives and may not stand up well in extreme weather conditions.
Many beekeepers tend to only use cardboard nucs when they are selling colonies to keep their costs down and save buyers from returning with the empties.
Some Unusual Materials That can be Used for Making Bee Hives Include:
- Clay or Ceramic: These materials are known for their insulation properties and can be useful in extreme temperatures. However, they can be heavy and difficult to move, and they can crack or break if dropped.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, it’s strong and lightweight. It’s also a good insulator, but it’s not as common as other materials in beekeeping.
- Masonry: Brick, concrete and stone can be used to build bee hives. These materials are durable, but they can be heavy, expensive and difficult to move. They also retain heat, which can be a problem during hot weather.
- Fabric: Some beekeepers use fabric to make hives, usually, using a wooden frame and covering it with a fabric such as canvas or waxed cotton. This type of hive is lightweight and portable, but not as durable as other materials.
- Composite Materials: Some beekeepers use composite materials like fibreglass or carbon fibre to make hives, these materials are lightweight, durable and rot-proof. However, they can be expensive and not as common as other materials in beekeeping.
It’s important to keep in mind that the material you choose for your bee hive should be safe for bees and humans, should not release any harmful chemicals, and should be able to withstand the weather conditions of your area. Additionally, the materials should be easy to work with, durable, and provide insulation for the bees.
Bee Hive Sizes
When it comes to beekeeping, the size of the bee hive can play a significant role in the health and productivity of the colony. A properly sized bee hive will provide enough space for the bees to grow and thrive, while a hive that is too small can lead to overcrowding and disease. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common bee hive sizes and their uses.
The Langstroth Hive
The Langstroth Hive is the most popular type of bee hive in use today. It comes in a variety of sizes, with the standard size being a 10-frame deep box. This size provides enough space for the bees to build a strong colony and produce a good amount of honey. However, some beekeepers may choose to use smaller 8-frame or even 6-frame boxes for their hives, depending on the size of their colony and their ability to lift the boxes when they are full.
The dimensions of a Langstroth Hive can vary depending on the number of frames used. However, the standard dimensions for a Langstroth Hive are as follows:
- The standard size for a Langstroth Hive box, also known as a “deep box” is: 19 3/8 inches in length, 16 1/4 inches in width and 9 5/8 inches in height.
- The standard size for a Langstroth Hive frame is: 19 1/4 inches in length and 9 1/8 inches in width.
It’s important to note that these are standard dimensions, and some beekeepers may choose to use slightly different dimensions to suit their particular needs and preferences. Additionally, Langstroth Hives also have other components such as a bottom board, lid and inner cover that have different dimensions.
It is also important to note that some beekeepers may use smaller frames, such as 8-frame or 6-frame boxes for their hives, depending on the size of their colony.
The Top Bar Hive
The Top Bar Hive is a more natural and simple design compared to the Langstroth Hive. It does not use frames and the size of the hive is determined by the length of the top bars. The most common size for a Top Bar Hive is around 4 feet long, but it can vary depending on the beekeeper’s preferences.
The dimensions of a Top Bar Hive can, as above, vary depending on the beekeeper’s preferences. However, the standard dimensions for a Top Bar Hive are as follows:
- The standard size for a Top Bar Hive box is around 4 feet in length, 18 inches in width and 18 inches in height.
- The standard size for a Top Bar Hive frame or “bar” is around 1 inch in width and 20 inches in length.
It is important to note that these are standard dimensions, and some beekeepers may choose to use slightly different dimensions to suit their particular needs and preferences. Additionally, the length of the box can be adjusted based on the number of bars used, some beekeepers use 30 bars and others use just 24.
It’s also important to note that the Top Bar Hive is a more natural and simple design compared to the Langstroth Hive, so it does not have additional components like a bottom board, lid or inner cover, nor does it have frames like the Langstroth and the National, which are the most popular hives in Ireland.
The Warre Hive
The Warre Hive is another horizontal hive design, similar to the Top Bar Hive. It also does not use frames, but it is designed with a vertical hive body. The size of Warre Hive is determined by the number of boxes it contains. The standard Warre Hive has 3 boxes, each measuring around 12 inches in height.
The dimensions of a Warre Hive can vary depending on the beekeeper’s preferences, however, the standard dimensions for a Warre Hive are as follows:
- The standard size for a Warre Hive box is around 12 inches in height, 18 inches in width, and 18 inches in depth.
Again, it is important to note that these are standard dimensions and some beekeepers may choose to use slightly different dimensions to suit their particular needs and preferences. Additionally, the Warre Hive is a vertical design and it’s composed of several boxes, usually three, that are stacked on top of each other. The boxes are square or rectangular, so the width and depth are the same.
It is also important to note that the Warre Hive is a more natural and simple design compared to the Langstroth Hive, so it does not have additional components like a bottom board, lid or inner cover.
The Flow Hive
The Flow Hive is a relatively new design that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a vertical hive that uses specially designed frames that allow the beekeeper to harvest honey without disturbing the bees. The Flow Hive comes in one standard size, which is designed to accommodate a standard Langstroth Hive.
The dimensions of a Flow Hive can vary depending on the specific model, however, the standard dimensions for a Flow Hive are as follows:
- The standard size for a Flow Hive is designed to accommodate a standard Langstroth Hive. It has the same dimensions as a Langstroth Hive deep box: 19 3/8 inches in length, 16 1/4 inches in width and 9 5/8 inches in height.
As with the others, it is important to note that these are standard dimensions, and some beekeepers may choose to use slightly different dimensions to suit their particular needs and preferences.
The Flow Hive is a vertical design and it’s composed of several frames that have special mechanisms that allow the beekeeper to harvest honey without disturbing the bees. The Flow Hive has a different design than traditional hives, it has a unique flow frame with a plastic comb that can be uncapped by turning a lever to release the honey. It’s important to note that the Flow Hive is an innovation in beekeeping and it’s designed to make the honey harvesting process more efficient and less disruptive for the bees.
Your Choice
The choice of material for your bee hives will depend on your personal preference, location, and budget. Wooden hives are the most traditional option, but plastic and metal hives are also popular choices. It’s important to consider the durability, insulation, and safety of the materials when making your decision. Also, it’s important to note that the materials should be safe for bees and humans, and should not release any harmful chemicals.
The size of the bee hive will depend on the type of hive you choose and the size of your colony. A properly sized bee hive will provide enough space for the bees to grow and thrive, while a hive that is too small can lead to overcrowding and disease. It’s important to consider the size of your colony and the type of beekeeping you want to do when choosing the size of your bee hive.
Bees can build their nest in almost any cavity big enough to hold them. This writer has removed them from fuse boxes, roofs and walls, but they have also used wheelie bins and just a hole in the ground. But, using a hole in the ground is very unusual for honey bees. It is usually bumble bees that do this In Ireland.
So you can to some extent pick the design that suits your tastes and situation.
The National Hive – Ireland’s Number One Choice of Hive
National hives are a type of bee hive that is widely used in Ireland, the UK and other countries. They are based on the design of the Langstroth Hive, which is the most popular type of bee hive in the world (i.e. moveable frame). The National Hive is known for its ease of use, durability, and efficiency.
One of the key features of the National Hive is its interchangeable frames, which make it easier for beekeepers to inspect the colony and harvest honey without overly disturbing the bees. The National Hive also has a variety of sizes and configurations to suit the needs of different beekeepers. The standard National Hive has 14×12 inches frames, but it also comes in different sizes such as the National brood chamber and the National honey super.
Another advantage of the National Hive is its compatibility with other hives. National hive frames and boxes can be used with other hives such as the Commercial Hive and the Smith Hive (the smith hive frame has shorter lugs and can therefore carry more). This allows beekeepers to easily switch between hives without having to buy new equipment.
The National Hive also has a variety of accessories available, such as a ventilated roof, a feeder, a queen excluder and more. These accessories can be used to improve the health and productivity of the colony.
The National Hive is a popular and efficient type of bee hive that is widely used. Its ease of use, durability, and efficiency make it a great option for beekeepers of all levels. Its compatibility with other hives and the availability of accessories make it a versatile option for beekeeping.
Old School Beekeeping – The Skep
A skep is a type of beehive that is made from woven straw or wicker. It is shaped like a cone and has a small opening at the bottom for the bees to enter and exit. Skeps have been used for centuries to keep bees and were the most common type of beehive in Ireland and the rest of Europe until the invention of the modern hive.
One of the main advantages of skeps is that they are easy to make and maintain. They do not require any special tools or equipment, and the materials used to make them are readily available. However, skeps have some disadvantages as well. For example, they cannot be opened without destroying the comb and bees inside, making it difficult to inspect the hive and harvest honey. They also tend to be less efficient at protecting bees from pests and diseases. Due to these drawbacks, skeps are no longer widely used in beekeeping, but they are still used in some areas and by some beekeepers to maintain the traditional ways of keeping bees.
